| deadly nightshade | <botany> An herbaceous European plant (Atropa belladonna) with reddish bell-shaped flowers and shining black berries. The whole plant and its fruit are very poisonous, and the root and leaves are used as powerful medicinal agents. Its properties are largely due to the alkaloid atropine which it contains. Called also deadly nightshade. A species of Amaryllis (A. Belladonna); the belladonna lily. Origin: It, literally fine lady; bella beautiful + donna lady. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| nightshade | <botany> A common name of many species of the genus Solanum, given especially. To the Solanum nigrum, or black nightshade, a low, branching weed with small white flowers and black berries reputed to be poisonous. Deadly nightshade. Same as Belladonna . Enchanter's nightshade. See Enchanter. Stinking nightshade. See Henbane. Three-leaved nightshade. See Trillium. Origin: AS. Nichtscadu. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| deadly | 1. Capable of causing death; mortal; fatal; destructive; certain or likely to cause death; as, a deadly blow or wound. 2. Aiming or willing to destroy; implacable; desperately hostile; flagitious; as, deadly enemies. "Thy assailant is quick, skillful, and deadly." (Shak) 3. Subject to death; mortal. <botany> Deadly nightshade, a poisonous plant; belladonna. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| deadly agaric | <fungus> A poisonous species of mushroom known for destructive effects on the liver and kidneys. (27 Sep 1997) |